Adding a backyard pond isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about enhancing your lifestyle. Whether you envision a peaceful spot for reflection or a showpiece for family gatherings, a professionally designed pond offers a natural focal point that boosts curb appeal and overall property value.
Our pond designs are created to support local wildlife including amphibians, birds, and beneficial insects. By adding plants like cattails, floating and submerged plants, and water lilies, you’ll help create a balanced ecosystem with ecological value. These water gardens offer shelter and clean, oxygen-rich water to encourage thriving environments.
Every pond area we design is a perfect combination of functionality, form, and sustainability. We ensure every project includes a robust pump and filtration system to circulate the pond’s water, control algae, and support a healthy environment for fish, plants, and other aquatic life.
We only use top-quality pond liners, gravel, rocks, and eco-friendly materials. Whether we’re shaping shallow areas or setting the deepest part of the pond bottom, we follow the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully position elements to minimize leaks and promote durability.
Our water garden installations blend colorful water plants like lotus, lilies, and submerged plants with graceful stones and bubbling fountains. They require less maintenance than you might expect and contribute tremendous ecological and visual value.
Koi ponds are ideal for showcasing vibrant fish and beautiful plants in a calm, reflective setting. We use a strong filtration system, liner, and proper depth to ensure a healthy, thriving environment.
For smaller yards or families with children, pondless waterfalls offer sound and movement without standing water—perfect for safer play and reduced maintenance.
We begin by surveying your yard, identifying underground utilities, and understanding your vision, climate, and soil conditions. We’ll plan every step to suit your site, whether you’re looking for a koi pond, a water garden, or a pondless waterfall.
During excavation, we consider depth, shape, and layout to suit the intended features and plants. We use logs, sand, and rocks to create a natural look that fits seamlessly into the backyard landscape. We’ll lay a durable liner over a smooth ground surface and check for wrinkles or obstructions.
Our team installs a pump, filter, and filtration system tailored to the pond’s size and intended use. Proper placement of components ensures efficient water flow and circulation.
Next, we add aquatic plants like submerged plants, floating varieties, and ornamental grasses to enhance the pond’s visual appeal and add color. We strategically place shrubs, flowers, and rocks around the pond area for contrast and texture.
We fill the pond with water (using a garden hose if needed), test the water level, and check for leaks. We also evaluate water quality, balance ammonia levels, and ensure oxygenation for fish.
Maintaining a pond’s beauty doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are a few essential pond maintenance tips:
We are local experts who understand the Northern California climate, soil, and vegetation. Our team prioritizes quality, clear communication, and integrity from the first meeting to the final detail.
We’ve helped clients:
The cost to build a backyard pond typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the pond's size, depth, and additional features like a waterfall, lighting, or a filtration system. At Outdoor Artisans, we provide custom quotes based on your vision and site requirements.
Maintaining healthy pond water involves regular pond maintenance, including checking your pump and filtration system, removing debris, and testing for ammonia levels. Seasonal care—especially in spring and winter—along with the use of beneficial bacteria helps maintain a balanced ecosystem and prevent algae buildup.
Absolutely. Properly designed ponds with submerged plants, water lilies, and aquatic plants help support local wildlife like birds, frogs, and amphibians without encouraging pests. Adding movement via a pump or fountain discourages mosquito breeding and improves oxygen levels in the water.
The best site for a pond is an area with partial shade to protect the water from direct sunlight and reduce algae growth. It should be level, away from heavy runoff, and near a power and water source. We'll assess your yard and recommend the most functional and inviting location.
Popular plants include submerged plants, lotus, water lilies, and ornamental grasses—all great for adding color and improving your pond’s visual appeal. As for fish, koi and goldfish are top choices due to their resilience and visual impact. Our team will help you choose the right plants and fish to ensure a thriving, low-maintenance ecosystem.